Under good conditions, which following-time guideline does the Alabama manual describe?
Correct answer: A two-second interval.
The manual describes a two-second following method for good conditions. It is a starting guideline, not a guarantee that every situation leaves enough stopping room.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Two-second following guideline; printed page 36, physical PDF page 38; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Rain reduces traction and visibility. How should you change your following distance?
Correct answer: Increase the time gap beyond the normal minimum.
The Alabama manual recommends increasing the following interval to four or five seconds in adverse weather or poor road conditions. Leave still more space when conditions require it.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Poor-condition following interval; printed page 36, physical PDF page 38; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
An approaching vehicle's headlights create glare at night. Where should you direct your gaze?
Correct answer: Toward your lane's right edge, away from the headlights.
Looking toward the right edge helps you maintain your path without staring into the glare. Stay alert to the road and other hazards.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Headlight glare; printed page 70, physical PDF page 72; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
The car ahead passes a roadside post. You reach the post before finishing a two-second count in good conditions. What does this indicate?
Correct answer: Your following gap is shorter than the manual's basic guideline.
Use a fixed object to measure the time between vehicles. Reaching it too soon means you need more space; adverse conditions call for a longer interval.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Measuring a following interval; printed page 36, physical PDF page 38; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
What is the safest time to reduce speed for a sharp curve?
Correct answer: Before entering the curve.
Slow before the curve so the tires can use their traction for steering through it. Avoid entering too fast and relying on abrupt braking.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Curves; printed page 23, physical PDF page 25; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
What happens when a vehicle hydroplanes?
Correct answer: Its tires ride on water and lose contact with the pavement.
Hydroplaning reduces the tire contact needed for steering and braking. Slow for wet conditions before that loss of control develops.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Hydroplaning; printed page 72, physical PDF page 74; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Water covers the road, and you cannot judge its depth. What should you do?
Correct answer: Turn around and find a safe alternative route.
Do not drive into floodwater. Its depth, current and damage beneath the surface can be difficult to judge from the driver's seat.
Source: National Weather Service, Flood Safety; Flooded roadways; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Which headlights should you use in fog?
Correct answer: Low beams.
Low beams reduce reflected glare in fog. High beams can bounce light back toward the driver and make the view worse.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Fog; printed page 73, physical PDF page 75; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
After you recognize a hazard, your car travels while you move your foot toward the brake. Does that travel count toward the stopping distance?
Correct answer: Yes; reaction time adds distance before braking begins.
The Alabama manual includes thinking or reaction distance as well as braking distance. Faster recognition does not make the vehicle stop instantly.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Thinking and reaction distance; printed page 36–37, physical PDF page 38–39; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
In an emergency stop with functioning anti-lock brakes, how should you apply the brake pedal?
Correct answer: Press firmly and maintain pressure while steering as needed.
With functioning ABS, keep firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal. ABS helps prevent wheel lock; pumping the pedal is not the appropriate ABS technique. Follow your vehicle's instructions.
Source: NHTSA Winter Weather Driving Tips; Safety Technologies — antilock brakes; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
What basic change causes a vehicle to skid?
Correct answer: The tires lose traction with the road.
A skid happens when tire grip is lost. Slippery surfaces and abrupt braking, acceleration or steering can contribute.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Skids; printed page 71, physical PDF page 73; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Your right wheels slip off the pavement onto the shoulder. What should you avoid?
Correct answer: Jerking the steering wheel to return immediately.
An abrupt return can send the vehicle across the road. Slow gradually, maintain control and return when it is safe.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Pavement-edge recovery; printed page 74, physical PDF page 76; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A tire suddenly blows out while you are moving. What should you do first?
Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly and ease off the accelerator.
Keep the vehicle tracking as steadily as possible and slow gradually. Sudden braking or steering can make the loss of control worse.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Tire blowout; printed page 73, physical PDF page 75; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Traffic stops at an intersection. How should you position your car in relation to the crosswalk?
Correct answer: Keep the crosswalk clear for pedestrians.
Do not block crosswalks. People should not have to move into other traffic to get around your vehicle.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Keep crosswalks clear; printed page 65, physical PDF page 67; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
At an intersection, a blind pedestrian with a guide dog is crossing your path. What must you do?
Correct answer: Stop and allow the pedestrian to cross safely.
The manual requires a complete stop for a blind pedestrian crossing an intersection with a guide dog or a white cane tipped with red. Do not crowd the crossing.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Blind pedestrians; printed page 63, physical PDF page 65; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A cyclist is traveling beside you toward an intersection. You want to turn right across the cyclist's path. What is the safe plan?
Correct answer: Wait for the cyclist to clear before making the turn.
Do not cut across a cyclist's path. A turn signal communicates your intention but does not make that conflict safe.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Right turns near bicyclists; printed page 24, physical PDF page 26; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A motorcycle is using a lane ahead. May you treat the unused part of that lane as your own passing space?
Correct answer: No; allow the motorcycle the full lane.
Motorcycles need room to adjust position around hazards. Do not crowd a rider by trying to share the same lane with your car.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Motorcycle lane space; printed page 26, physical PDF page 28; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
Before turning left, why should you look especially carefully for an approaching motorcycle?
Correct answer: Its smaller size can make its distance and speed harder to judge.
A small motorcycle may be overlooked or appear farther away. Make a deliberate check before crossing its path.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Seeing motorcycles; printed page 25, physical PDF page 27; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
A motorcycle approaches with a turn signal flashing. Why should you wait for a clear movement before pulling out?
Correct answer: Its signal may not have canceled after an earlier turn.
Some motorcycle signals do not cancel automatically. Do not assume a flashing signal alone guarantees that the rider will turn away from your path.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Motorcycle turn signals; printed page 26, physical PDF page 28; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
An unprotected fire hose lies across the roadway at an emergency scene. When may you drive over it?
Correct answer: Only with permission from a police or fire official.
Do not drive over an unprotected fire hose without a police or fire official's permission. The hose may be supplying water needed at the emergency.
Source: Alabama Driver Manual, November 2024 edition currently linked by ALEA; Fire hose; printed page 65, physical PDF page 67; reviewed September 21, 2026. ↗
